Wooden Boat People
By McKenzieDriftBoat.com
Oar Repair
The finish on the blade tips of my oars is cracked and chipped off in a number of places from all the rock-hits in our low-rivers this summer. I want to nip this in the bud this winter before any problems set in. Any suggestions on how to fix up these spots (varnish? epoxy?). Not sure what the original finish is - they are Sawyer lights. John G.
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Randy Dersham on
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The old school way is to sand off the old finish at the ends of the finish to bare wood. Then soak the ends in oil. Some store the oars in a bucket and they remain saturated and soft. Use them with oil only.
The new school way is to sand smooth and allow to completely dry then apply heavy epoxy and polyurethane. Dipping a couple of coats of each is good.
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Permalink Reply by Chris Anderson on
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I am not an expert like Randy - and he has great advice. I have about six different "fir" oars that I have "repaired" - I have used the new school method with System one epoxy - replacing the bad wood with white oak - and then finishing with some kind of UV coating. They seem to be stronger, a bit heavier - but should last the abuse against the elements and obstacles. I have tried the oar end covers that are available on the market - a rubber sleeve that fits over the end - but found that these - while protecting the end of the oar - also increases the chance to promote the breakdown in the wood. I don't recommend them. Epoxy and a UV coat or 2 increases the life and is the best bet in the long run.
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